PUBLIC NOTICE

The Hammond Water Supply is in violation of the maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL) for chlorine dioxide as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51-XII)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141). The Hammond Water Supply exceeded the chlorine dioxide MRDL on three separate days at the Hwy 190 well treatment facility during the month of September 2016, on September 2, 15, and 30. On a daily basis, this well provides approximately only 11% of the total water production for Hammond Water Supply. Additionally, Hammond Water Supply failed to report the MRDL exceedances to LDH and collect the three additional chlorine dioxide samples in the distribution system on the day following the exceedances which resulted in this violation.

Chlorine dioxide samples were collected in the distribution system on October 6, 2016 by LDH staff and were found to be at safe levels (below the MRDL). The water system is no longer using chlorine dioxide as part of their treatment process. The chlorine dioxide violations reported today are the result of exceedances at the treatment facility only, not within the distribution system which delivers water to consumers. Hammond Water Supply monitors its water system 365 days a year to ensure the delivery of safe water.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) set drinking water standards and require the disinfection of drinking water to kill disease-causing microorganisms. EPA and LDH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants in drinking water, including chlorine dioxide. Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL could experience nervous system effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant women who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the MRDL. Some people may experience anemia. Continued compliance with chlorine dioxide levels within the distribution system minimizes the potential risk of these violations to consumers.

In December 1998, EPA set an enforceable drinking water standard (MRDL) for chlorine dioxide at 0.8 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. We are required to monitor your drinking water for residual disinfectant level, such as chlorine dioxide, daily at the entry point to the distribution system. In the event that the daily chlorine dioxide level exceeds the MRDL (0.8 mg/L), the water system is required to collect three additional chlorine dioxide samples in the distribution system on the day following the exceedance. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not your drinking water meets health standards.

Please share this information with all other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Hammond Water Supply, LA1105009. If you have questions about this notice, please contact the water system directly: Guy Palermo by calling (985) 277-5962.
Date Distributed: October 6, 2016